Planting to Prevent Property Damage
By Anne Gehrig, OSU Hood River County Extension Central Gorge Master Gardener Volunteer
Fire season has started early this year. As I write this, fire-fighting helicopters and planes drone overhead, fighting the Rowena Crest fire. This human-caused wildfire has claimed over 49 homes and threatened hundreds more, reminding me of Smokey Bear’s iconic slogan: “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.” Smokey’s message has always focused on humans as a cause of fires, but as wildfires become more frequent and unpredictable, people are turning to firewise landscaping and fuel reduction as another means of protecting their property from the ravages of fire.
Fire requires oxygen, heat, and fuel in order to burn successfully. The current wildfires in our area are being fed by dry vegetation and high winds. We can’t control the wind, but we can control the availability of fuel in our home landscapes. Firewise landscaping is based on proper plant selection, placement, and maintenance–techniques that can block intense radiant heat, reduce the chance of stray embers igniting structures, and slow the progression of fire.
Plant Selection: No plant is completely fireproof, but some are more fire-prone than others. Whenever possible, homeowners should consider the use of native plants; they are adapted to local climate conditions and are usually less likely to ignite. They also tend to be drought-tolerant and require less water, an important consideration for folks without irrigation options. Fire-resistant plants generally have watery sap with no strong odor, open-branching patterns, and wide, moist, supple leaves. They can be damaged by fire, but their foliage and stems do not contribute significantly to the fuel load. Flammable plants, on the other hand, contain volatile oils and gummy resinous sap, have aromatic leaves, and are prone to accumulating fine dry, dead matter. Juniper, a popular privacy screen, is an example of a highly flammable plant that should never be placed close to a structure.
When selecting new plants for the home landscape, consider their mature size, especially if you’re planning on planting them near your house. That small conifer you bought at the nursery last year may look charming near your front door, but as it grows, its branches could touch the roof, serving as a conduit for fire. The OSU publication Fire-resistant plants for Home Landscapes | OSU Extension Service offers an array of plant choices that are both beautiful and fire-resistant. It also offers tips on how to create a defensible space around your property.
Placement: A defensible space serves as a buffer zone against the spread of fire. Avoid placing any plants in the 5 feet immediately around your home. In the 5-30 foot Intermediate Zone, plant only low-growing, fire-resistant plants. Linear planting arrangements may serve as a continuous pathway for fire to spread. Allow gaps of at least 10 feet between planting groups to create a firebreak.
Maintenance: Even drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plants can burn if not properly maintained. . Consistent irrigation reduces stress that contributes to plant disease and death. Be careful not to overwater; too much irrigation can lead to excessive growth, disease, and a buildup of dying plant matter. Keep plants well pruned, and regularly remove dead or dying plant material, especially in the interior where it may be less visible.
Trees provide shade and beauty in the home landscape, but care should be taken to keep them from becoming a fire hazard. Remove branches 6-10 feet from the ground and rake up pine cones, fallen branches, and dead leaves. Clear dry grasses from around the base of existing trees to reduce the availability of ladder fuels. When planting new trees, consider deciduous varieties which are less flammable.
Mulch: Many homeowners like the look of bark mulch in the landscape. Unfortunately, it’s also highly combustible. If you do choose to use it, keep it well away from the house and make sure to keep it moist. Avoid piling mulch too high; anything over a few inches can lead to spontaneous combustion. Gravel or a combination of bark mulch surrounded by decorative rock are alternatives that are less flammable.
When wildfires strike, be firewise and smoke ready. The website smoke ready gorge shares tips for keeping people safe and healthy during wildfire season. You may not be able to prevent devastating forest fires and wildfires from starting, but the use of firewise landscaping techniques is a step toward preventing them from destroying your home.
The do’s and don’ts of firewise landscaping. Photo credit: OSU Extension
Fire-resistant plants for Home Landscapes
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw-590-fire-resistant-plants-home-landscapes
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